The Economist Events Launches CIO Forum 2014, for Agile Strategists

LONDON, November 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

World experts will gather in London this December to unpick the battle of roles in the C-suite 

In overcoming cumbersome legacy processes and providing the now-expected customer experience, conventional organisations have to undergo a digital transformation. Within two years, 25% of companies are expected to have a Chief Digital Officer (CDO). What future does this pose for the Chief Information Officer (CIO)? The Economist Events will gather leading industry experts to discuss the outlook for the CIO at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, London, on Thursday December 4th 2014.

The Forum will unite C-suite executives with IT professionals in tackling questions around the role of the CIO in effecting change. The high-level audience will identify possible career progression routes for the CIO in light of new technologies.

"For the first time we are seeing this battle to define roles," commented Pete Swabey, Senior Editor in The Economist's Thought Leadership team and co-chair of the event. "Do organisations really need a Chief Digital Officer to affect a digital transformation? What place is there for the CIO, if so? We will examine any commonly accepted parameters of how a CDO and CIO should work together, to try to forge a path forward in this time of transformation and change."

Key speakers debating the role of the CIO, data and technology, will include:

• David Smoley, Chief Information Officer, AstraZeneca
• Mark Dearnley, Chief Information Officer, HMRC
• FredericoFlórez Gutiérrez, Chief Information and Innovation Officer, Ferrovial
• John Finch, Executive  Director for Information Services and Technology and Chief Information Officer, Bank of England
• Stuart Walters, Chief Information Officer, BLG Group
• Olaf Swantee, Chief Executive Officer, EE
• Ashish Gupta, Chief Information Officer,  BT Global Services
• Tania Howath, Chief Operating Officer, Iglo Foods
• Alan Mumby, Partner,  Odgers Berndtson
• Chris Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, News UK
• Carolyn Brown, Chief Information Officer, Durham University

For the latest programme and to register your place at the event, please visit The CIO Forum website at http://www.cioforum.economist.com. You can also join us on Twitter at #EconCIO and @EconomistEvents.

About The Economist Events
The Economist Events is the leading provider of international forums for senior executives seeking new insights into strategic issues. These meetings include industry conferences, management events and government roundtables held around the world. As part of The Economist Group, The Economist Events is a highly respected brand with a 162-year history and an unrivalled reputation for excellence and independence.

Each meeting organised by The Economist Events delivers objective and informed analysis. Our meetings provide unusually high-level forums where senior executives can gain insights, exchange views and compare strategies.

http://www.economistevents.com  
Join us on Twitter: @EconomistEvents

SOURCE The Economist Events